Entertainment

Quotes and reaction to Zimmerman verdict

By The Associated Press

Posted:
07/13/2013 08:32:34 PM PDT

Updated:
07/13/2013 10:41:54 PM PDT

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James Evan Muhammad, front left, of the New Black Panther Party, shouts slogans after the verdict of not guilty was handed down in the trial of George Zimmerman at the Seminole County Courthouse, Saturday, July 13, 2013, in Sanford, Fla. Neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman was cleared of all charges Saturday in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black teenager whose killing unleashed furious debate across the U.S. over racial profiling, self-defense and equal justice.

A jury of six women found neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman not guilty of all charges on Saturday in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Here are some quotes from key figures involved in the case:

"We're ecstatic with the results. George Zimmerman was never guilty of anything except protecting himself in self-defense."

— Mark O'Mara, one of George Zimmerman's attorneys, said at a news conference after the verdict.

"The acquittal of George Zimmerman is a slap in the face to the American people but it is only the first round in the pursuit of justice. We intend to ask the Department of Justice to move forward as they did in the Rodney King case and we will closely monitor the civil case against Mr. Zimmerman. I will convene an emergency call with preachers tonight to discuss next steps and I intend to head to Florida in the next few days."

— the Rev. Al Sharpton

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"Message from Dad: "Our whole family is relieved". Today... I'm proud to be an American. God Bless America! Thank you for your prayers!

— George Zimmerman's brother, Robert, said in Twitter

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"We lost a young man due to senseless violence, but justice did not prevail.

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Last year we pushed for the arrest of George Zimmerman and a thorough investigation and trial. Today, we are still called to act. No one should be allowed to use this law to commit a senseless crime again."

— Adora Obi Nweze, president of the Florida NAACP State Conference

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"I don't think this is a time for high-fiving."

— Robert Zimmerman Jr., George's brother, on CNN after the verdict.

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"My heart is with Sybrina Fulton, Rachel Jeantel, everyone who loved Trayvon and has been sent the message that his life didn't matter."